As well as music, Common has worked as an actor, on films such as 'Smokin' Aces' (as Sir Ivy) 'American Gangster' (as Turner Lucas), 'Wanted', and 'John Wick: Chapter 2'. He may also be seen in cameo roles in films such as 'Brown Sugar'.
His debut was the 1992 album Can I Borrow A Dollar, but he achieved little critical or commercial success until 1994's Resurrection, an instant classic. He produced several more albums, notably Like Water For Chocolate and the highly experimental Electric Circus, before releasing the Kanye West and J Dilla-produced Be in 2005, which was his first album to receive widespread mainstream appeal and radio playtime.
Common is considered a "cred" artist, which has lead him to collaborations with the likes of De La Soul, Jadakiss, T.I, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Kanye West, Lily Allen, Erykah Badu, and Fort Minor.
The 2007 album Finding Forever was produced mainly by long-time collaborator, Kanye West. Common released his eighth album Universal Mind Control in 2008, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album but lost to the Eminem album Relapse. He released his ninth album The Dreamer/The Believer in 2011. Nobody's Smiling, his tenth album, was released in 2014. The concept of the album was inspired by his troubled hometown of Chicago.
Thelonius
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, play at your own risk
Act like you know bitch I'm on some grown shit
Ha, yeah, yeah, play at your own risk
Act like you know bitch I'm on some grown shit
It's the Thelonious, super microphonist
You know us, this rap shit we 'bout to own it
You know it, these Mini-Me's trying to clone us
I got a bonus for your bitch that run up on us
It's the Thelonious, super microphonist
Uhh, no time to sleep cause if you sleep you don't eat
Gotta hold heat, just to make ends meet
Niggas living on the street while other niggas feast
Alright wit you it ain't alright wit me
Right, gotta make money all my life
Gotta stay fucking bitches many types
Yeah you know what I'm talking 'bout
Yup, stay turning these bitches out
Dick em down also dick em out
Throw something down whenever my dick's out
They know me so they restructure and reroute
They know me from Washington to down south
All the way to London to my nigga Common house
Right, it's like a game we never play out, out, out, out
Nigga no doubt, nigga get live or get knocked the fuck out
Word up, just be about what you about dog
Know what I'm saying, just play at your own risk
Act like you know bitch I'm on some grown shit
It's the Thelonious, super microphonist
You know us, this rap shit we 'bout to own it
You know it, cause you can feel it in your throat
Say it
I'm 'bout to let my mind float
(Com, say it)
Get your third eye poked
Fuck game, I assemble dope,
Ness, a nigga that's fresh as the 'fess
Studied this rap shit, no need to mic test
You can feel it in your chest
Your B I, feel it in her breasts
Plus you, rhyme like a nigga wit his nipples pierced
We lick off lyrics in the streets and real niggas hear us
Dreaming when I wrote this, box me if I go too wild
Still doing this shit like dude in wild style
Inviting wack niggas to dinner
I "Trick Daddy" emcees and I don't know, "Nann Nigga"
Who can take it where I take it
You better going to God like Mase did
Leaving crowds complacent
I move em above clouds whether on some surf and turf shit
Or thug style you can feel it in your body
Yeah y'all you can feel it in your body
Like if a 12 gauge shottie shell hit your body
You don't want no one to find your ass a hobby
Carbon copy, niggas trying to clone us
You know us, Thelonious, super microphone
You know this, rap shit we 'bout to own it dun, for real
Hey, it's like a ritual
You been invited let the mortal body stimulate the place
With the grace, nevertheless, I stress
Let the music put a smile on your face
As for the ritual, when it comes to spiritual excellence
You know I always leave you with the taste
I know you like it hard to the core
That's what you ask for, you aching for the best
Hurting like a sore in that ass, like a ritual
Conversation with the most high makes me wanna cry
I wonder why, you wanna get to paradise
But that itty bitty part of you don't wanna die
So pay attention to my word, cause it's the truth
Meditation ease the mind, and brings the youth
It's like a verse you could never read out of a book
Dropping the line in your mind like a fish hook
Word is birth, yo I do it till the break of day
Pay attention to your art, never go astray
Word is bond
Yo we do it and we don't quit
Sucker nigga you don't want it, it's Thelonious
Owning this rap shit, super microphonist, and we known to spit
I spit fire like Esther on Sanford and Son did
I'm raw dude, more juice than Sunkiss
You want this, so MJ kept saying the rhyme flawless
Shit fly like MJ in his prime, "Off The Wall" wit mines
I'm grabbing my balls when I rhyme, nine nines busting plus
Ball all the time, now stay on your mind like great sex
You ain't on my mind I'm thinking 'bout paychecks
Niggas large like an Adex Avirex jacket
Yo the gods they bust like latex sex packets
Emcees they don't rhyme and ball, they lyin' to y'all
They dyin' to ball, the rhyme we do all the time
We do all the fine bitches they fall in lines
Me and my mans is something like the Source Sports
We gettin money a long time and y'all short
My niggas bounce and full rise and y'alls fall
You funny doo, cause really you think you can do me
When you roll a 500 that's really a 320
Should of let somebody else hook it
Numbers look crooked like King Kong shook it
I'm from where niggas bang gats when they celebrate
That's how they play, don't let it be a holiday
Thelonious niggas, if you testing us we get you laid back
Show you the definition of a pay back
The song “Thelonius” by Common is an anthem to the art of rap music and its power to empower and inspire people. The song begins with Common’s fierce declaration that he’s on some grown sh*t, warning others to play at their own risk. He proudly proclaims himself as the Thelonious, the super microphonist, and asserts that he and his crew are about to own the rap game. Common also talks about the struggle to survive and make it in the rap game, emphasizing the importance of working hard and staying focused on making money and elevating oneself. The lyrics touch on issues of identity, sex, and power, as he raps about his dominance in the game and his ability to turn women out.
As the song progresses, Common’s focus turns to the spiritual and meditative aspects of rap music. He encourages his listeners to let their minds float and to pay attention to the spiritual messages that can be found in rap lyrics. Ultimately, his message is a call to action for all those who love rap music to take up the mantle of the Thelonious and use their voices to speak truth to power.
Common’s song “Thelonius” is an ode to the power of rap music and the role it plays in the lives of young people all over the world. It’s a song that celebrates the struggles and triumphs of those who have made it in the rap game, while also encouraging listeners to find their own voices and use them to create positive change. Common’s lyrical prowess and his ability to tap into the heart of the rap game have inspired countless people to take up the mantle of the Thelonious and use their voices to elevate themselves and their communities.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha, yeah, yeah
Introducing the song with signature adlibs to get the audience excited
Yeah, yeah, play at your own risk
Warning to those who attempt to challenge the artist and his crew
Act like you know bitch I'm on some grown shit
Asserting dominance and maturity in behavior and attitude
It's the Thelonious, super microphonist
Referring to one's rap identity as the great jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, professing to be an expert in one's skillset
You know us, this rap shit we 'bout to own it
The artist and their crew are confident in their abilities and plan to take over the rap game
You know it, these Mini-Me's trying to clone us
Acknowledging imitation and imitation being the sincerest form of flattery but maintaining that the original cannot be replicated
I got a bonus for the bitch that run up on us
Being prepared to defend oneself if necessary, with an extra reward for anyone who tries to attack them
Uhh, no time to sleep cause if you sleep you don't eat
Hard work and dedication is required to make a living and succeed
Gotta hold heat, just to make ends meet
One may have to carry a weapon to protect themselves in their line of work
Niggas living on the street while other niggas feast
Acknowledging the disparity between the less fortunate and those who live comfortably
Alright wit you it ain't alright wit me
One must stand up for their own beliefs and principles, even if it means going against others
Right, gotta make money all my life
The pressure of constantly having to make a living and earn money to get by
Gotta stay fucking bitches many types
Exploring various sexual partners and experiences
Yeah you know what I'm talking 'bout
Indicating an understanding of the lifestyle and experiences being discussed
Yup, stay turning these bitches out
Enjoying the act of sexual conquest and feeling in control
Dick em down also dick em out
Performing various sexual acts with partners, feeling confident and in control
Throw something down whenever my dick's out
Being prepared to engage in sexual activity at any moment
They know me so they restructure and reroute
Having connections and a reputation that allows for flexibility and change in plans
They know me from Washington to down south
Having a widespread reputation and being known in various locations throughout the US
All the way to London to my nigga Common house
Having international connections and friends who live abroad
Right, it's like a game we never play out, out, out, out
Approaching life as a never-ending and continuous experience, always keeping things fresh and exciting
Nigga no doubt, nigga get live or get knocked the fuck out
Encouraging others to live life to the fullest and be active, or else suffer the consequences
Word up, just be about what you about dog
Encouraging others to be true to themselves and their beliefs
Know what I'm saying, just play at your own risk
Acknowledging the dangers and risks involved in certain lifestyles and choices, but encouraging individuals to embrace their decisions
You know it, cause you can feel it in your throat
Referring to the artist's emotional and powerful delivery that is felt by the listener in their throat
I'm 'bout to let my mind float
Entering a state of relaxation and contemplation
(Com, say it)
A cue for the DJ or others to add their own contribution to the song
Get your third eye poked
Encouragement to open one's third eye, a symbol for the mind's eye and spiritual awakening
Fuck game, I assemble dope,
Rejecting materialism and instead focusing on creating music that is pure and authentic
Ness, a nigga that's fresh as the 'fess
Referring to oneself as the freshest and coolest person around
Studied this rap shit, no need to mic test
Having experience and skill in the hip hop genre and not needing to prove oneself
You can feel it in your chest
Delivering rhymes with power and intensity, causing a physical reaction in the listener's body
Your B I, feel it in her breasts
Making an impact on female listeners in particular, causing them to feel emotions and sensations in their chest
Plus you, rhyme like a nigga wit his nipples pierced
Describing one's unique and unconventional style of rhyming, similar to someone who has their nipples pierced
We lick off lyrics in the streets and real niggas hear us
Making music that is appreciated and understood by those who come from the same background and experiences
Dreaming when I wrote this, box me if I go too wild
Feeling a creative flow and being in a dreamlike state while writing and creating music
Still doing this shit like dude in wild style
Maintaining a commitment and passion for creating music, similar to the character in the 1983 hip hop film Wild Style
Inviting wack niggas to dinner
Being so confident in one's abilities that they are willing to challenge and defeat those who are considered less talented
I 'Trick Daddy' emcees and I don't know, 'Nann Nigga'
Defeating and surpassing other rappers, referencing the 2000 Trick Daddy song 'Nann Nigga'
Who can take it where I take it
Being a pioneer and leader in the rap industry, taking music and lyrics to a new level
You better going to God like Mase did
Warning others that if they try to challenge the artist, they will need divine intervention, referencing Mase's conversion from rap to ministry
Leaving crowds complacent
Having a powerful and impressive stage presence, leaving listeners satisfied and content
I move em above clouds whether on some surf and turf shit
Elevating listeners and their experiences to a higher level, even when they come from different backgrounds and preferences
Or thug style you can feel it in your body
Making an impact with listeners no matter what their style or preference, leaving a physical impression on their body
Yeah y'all you can feel it in your body
Reiterating the physical and emotional connection between the artist and the listener's body
Like if a 12 gauge shottie shell hit your body
Comparing the impact of one's music to that of getting shot with a shotgun
You don't want no one to find your ass a hobby
Threatening those who might try to challenge or attack the artist and their crew
Carbon copy, niggas trying to clone us
Acknowledging the unoriginality and imitation of other rappers who try to copy the artist's style
Owning this rap shit, super microphonist, and we known to spit
Dominating and excelling in the rap genre, being known for their impressive lyrics and delivery
I spit fire like Esther on Sanford and Son did
Comparing one's incredible rapping skills to Esther's fiery personality on the classic TV show Sanford and Son
I'm raw dude, more juice than Sunkiss
Describing oneself as being unfiltered, genuine, and having more energy than a popular orange-flavored drink
You want this, so MJ kept saying the rhyme flawless
Referring to Michael Jackson and his dedication to perfection in his craft, striving to be similarly flawless in one's own lyrics and delivery
Shit fly like MJ in his prime, 'Off The Wall' wit mines
Being as impressive and innovative as Michael Jackson in his prime, similar to his groundbreaking album Off the Wall
I'm grabbing my balls when I rhyme, nine nines busting plus, ball all the time
Expressing confidence and toughness when delivering lines, while also enjoying life to the fullest
Now stay on your mind like great sex
Showing how one's music and lyrics can leave a lasting impression on the listener
You ain't on my mind I'm thinking 'bout paychecks
Acknowledging the need to make money and earn a living, even while pursuing one's passion and artistry
Niggas large like an Adex Avirex jacket
Describing the sense of power and importance that one feels when wearing a popular brand of jacket
Yo the gods they bust like latex sex packets
Referring to oneself and their crew as gods, powerful and explosive, similar to a burst of air in a latex sex packet
Emcees they don't rhyme and ball, they lyin' to y'all
Calling out other rappers who claim to have it all and be successful, but are actually lying about their accomplishments
They dyin' to ball, the rhyme we do all the time
Living the lifestyle and pursuing one's passion for rap and music, while other rappers only dream of doing the same
We do all the fine bitches they fall in lines
Having a reputation and presence that attracts beautiful women with ease
Me and my mans is something like the Source Sports
Comparing a close friendship and partnership to a popular hip-hop and sports magazine
We gettin money a long time and y'all short
Having a successful and lucrative career while others are struggling or have inferior skills
My niggas bounce and full rise and y'alls fall
Continuing to succeed and rise higher, while others are left behind and falling behind
You funny doo, cause really you think you can do me
Pitying those who think they can replicate and surpass the artist and their abilities
When you roll a 500 that's really a 320
Referring to someone who tries to deceive others and inflate their own accomplishments, as well as those who try to compete with the artist but don't measure up
Should of let somebody else hook it
Admitting that someone else should have been given a chance instead of the current rapper
Numbers look crooked like King Kong shook it
Referring to one's success and numerical accomplishments as being impressive and intimidating, like the strength of the fictional character King Kong
I'm from where niggas bang gats when they celebrate
Growing up in a dangerous environment where guns and violence are common, even during celebratory occasions
That's how they play, don't let it be a holiday
Being aware that even during festive and happy events, there is potential for violence and danger
Thelonious niggas, if you testing us we get you laid back
The artist and their crew will not tolerate any challenges or threats, and will take action to defend themselves and their craft
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: R.l. Iii Altman, Titus Printice Glover, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, James Dewitt Yancey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind